SNAP® Boys

SNAP® Boys is a family-focused, early intervention program for boys ages 6-11 who are engaging in aggressive, antisocial behaviour and/or have come into contact with the police. The program aims to prevent these antisocial behaviours and reduce the chance of future conflict with the authorities through timely and effective early intervention.

Experienced and highly trained SNAP staff work with parents to assess problems and create and evaluate Treatment or Action Plans. Typically the program consists of five key components:

• SNAP® Boys Club – a structured group that meets weekly for 13 weeks and teaches boys self-control, problem-solving and emotion-regulation skills through the use of SNAP

• A concurrent SNAP® Parenting (SNAPP) Group that teaches parents effective child management strategies

• One-on-one family counselling based on SNAPP (Stop Now and Plan Parenting)

• Individual counselling/mentoring for boys who require extra support

• School advocacy and teacher support to assist boys who are struggling behaviourally and/or not performing at their age-appropriate grade level at school

Other components of the program that may be used when appropriate include academic tutoring, victim restitution, community connections, and long-term continued care services.

As boys reach adolescence, they may decide to become engaged in continuing services including SNAP® Boys Youth Leadership Services; individual and family counselling; school support and advocacy; job readiness; and external referrals as needed. As well, a Parent Problem Solving group is offered several times each year to support parents who have completed the SNAP® Parenting group.

SNAP® Girls

SNAP® Girls is a family-focused, gender-specific early intervention program for girls ages 6-11 exhibiting early disruptive behaviour problems at home, and school, and in the 11 community. The program components are similar to the SNAP® Boys program, but there are important differences based on research and best practices for treating girl aggression. In SNAP® Girls, for example, there is greater emphasis on discussion and relationship-building.

Experienced and highly trained SNAP staff work with parents to assess problems and create and evaluate Treatment or Action Plans. Typically the program consists of six key components:

• SNAP® Girls Club – a structured group that meets weekly for 13 weeks and teaches girls self-control, problem-solving and emotion-regulation skills through the use of SNAP®

• A concurrent SNAP® Parenting (SNAPP) Group that teaches parents effective child management strategies

• One-on-one family counselling based on SNAPP (Stop Now and Plan Parenting)

• Individual counselling/mentoring for girls who require extra support

• School advocacy and teacher support to assist girls who are struggling behaviourally and/or not performing at their age-appropriate grade level at school

• Girls Growing up Healthy – A mother-daughter group that occurs after the SNAP® program is completed. The group aims to strengthen mother-daughter relationships at the critical pre-teen stage, and to address challenges of physical development, harassment and healthy relationships.

As girls reach adolescence, they may decide to become engaged in continuing services including SNAP® Girls Youth Leadership Services; individual and family counselling; school support and advocacy; job readiness; and external referrals as needed. As well, a Parent Problem Solving group is offered several times each year to support parents after completing the SNAP® Parenting group.

Camp Wimodausis

Camp Wimodausis is a specialized therapeutic day camp for children ages 6 to 11 whose social and behaviour problems would otherwise prevent them from attending a summer day camp. Three summer sessions, each two weeks long, are offered during the months of July and August on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children may attend one session, with a maximum of 20 children enrolled in each session. The program is highly structured to maximize opportunities for success. In small groups of five, with two qualified counsellors, children learn to use SNAP® to manage their behaviour, exercise self-control and resolve problems. Children participate in fun and educational activities, including arts and crafts, sports, music, swimming, special interest clubs, weekly field trips, nature hikes, and theme days.

Camp Wimodausis also offers a Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program for youth who are participating in the SNAP® Youth Leadership programs or are past campers.

The camp is held at CDI’s St. Clair Gardens location, and is offered free of charge, although there is an application fee.